It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ronald Wayne Hancock at the age of 68. Ronnie passed away peacefully with his four sons by his side, at his Grand Forks, British Columbia home on June 14, 2011.
Ronnie was born at Ottumwa, Iowa, in April 1943. He was the oldest son of Ralph Wayne Hancock and Harriett Lucille Hancock. Ronnie was the oldest of four boys - his younger brothers being Ross Wilbur, Roy Wesley, and Roger Wray. Ronnie grew up at Bloomfield, Iowa, and graduated from Davis County High School in 1961. He then joined the U.S. Army where he served for three years. When he returned to Iowa he began a career as a long haul truck driver.
In 1967 Ronnie met Sharon Elizabeth Vantreight, daughter of Geoff and Jean Vantreight. Ronnie later moved to Victoria, B.C., where they married on December 7, 1968. Ronnie spent nine years in Victoria where he was a farmer and truck driver. He was also a rodeo cowboy who would later develop a passion for driving racecars, becoming one of Victoria's most colorful super stock drivers. Before leaving Victoria, Ronnie and Sharon would become the proud parents of four sons: John Wesley, Brian Wayne, Travis Shawn, and Tharon Quinn Hancock.
Ronnie moved his family to Cranbrook, B.C., in 1977 where he worked for a short time on a dairy farm. He later moved to Invermere, B.C., to begin a career doing what he thoroughly enjoyed, and was born to do - work a cattle ranch. After only two years he moved his family to Canal Flats, B.C., where he continued ranching, now as the ranch manager. These were truly some of his finest years and the home to many of his fondest memories.
In 1985 the ranch owner sold out, forcing Ronnie to move his family to Acme, AB, where he resumed trucking. After some years of struggling, Ronnie and Sharon separated and he moved back to B.C., On December 14, 1986, Ronnie became a born again Christian.
Ronnie moved to Kettle Valley, B.C., in 1987. He got a job driving truck for the largest logger in the area, J.C. Olsen, where he worked for nearly 10 years.
In July 1997, Ronnie married Ellen Carpenter. They operated a trucking business together and bought a home in Bridesville, B.C. In 2004 they moved to Grand Forks, B.C., where he ended up driving truck for Lime Creek Logging. Ronnie and Ellen divorced in 2010. Ronnie would remain in that Grand Forks home until his passing.
Ronnie was a well respected, honest, and hard-working man who was a role model to many people, especially his brothers and four sons. He enjoyed the simple things in life - spending time with family and friends, hunting, fishing and telling endless stories to anyone willing to listen. Ronnie enjoyed his work and took great pride in it.
Ronnie was an old fashioned cowboy, and a tough one at that. He was very deliberate and thorough. Ronnie was brave, funny, charming, charismatic, and very sarcastic.
Ronnie was predeceased by his father, Ralph; mother, Harriett; and brother, Roy.
Ronnie leaves behind his brothers, Ross and Roger; sons: John, Brian, Travis and Quinn; and grandchildren: Rachelle, Sharla, Brandon, Kaitlin, Dane and Wyatt.
There will be a funeral service to be held at the Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ (USCC) at 2 p.m., on June 25, 2011. There will also be a celebration of life and dance to be held at the Grand Forks Arena following the High School Graduation Ceremony (7 p.m.). Thanks to all family and friends who have helped throughout these tough times. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Baker family of Grand Forks Funeral Home.